International Students: Living In The Us, What's Allowed?

The United States is a popular destination for international students, with over a million enrolling in the 2018-19 academic year. International students can live in the US by obtaining a student visa. There are several types of visas available, including F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas. These visas allow students to enroll in academic or vocational programs and can be obtained through accredited educational institutions. Students must meet certain requirements, such as proficiency in English and sufficient funds, and their dependents must also enroll in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After graduating, international students can explore various pathways to extend their stay in the US, such as through employment or investment options.

Can international students live in the US?

International students must obtain a visa to live in the US

To obtain an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited academic institution, such as a college, university, or high school, and their program must culminate in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The school must also be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. For those participating in a cultural exchange program sponsored by the US Department of State, the J-1 exchange visitor visa is applicable.

The M-1 visa, on the other hand, is for students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Similar to the F-1 visa requirements, students must be enrolled full-time and their program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

The process of applying for a student visa involves submitting the necessary documents, undergoing an interview with a consular officer, and providing ink-free digital fingerprint scans. The officer will determine the applicant's qualifications for a student visa and may request additional documentation, such as standardized test scores, proof of sufficient funds, and evidence of intent to depart the US upon completing their studies.

It is important to note that international students must maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up and ensure their school is registered with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Additionally, any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.

There are different types of visas for international students

To study in the United States as an international student, you will need a student visa. There are several types of visas available for international students, each with its own requirements and restrictions. Here is an overview of the different types of visas:

F-1 Visa (Academic Student)

The F-1 Visa is the most common type of student visa. It allows international students to enter the United States as full-time students at accredited academic institutions, including colleges, universities, high schools, and language training programs. To be eligible for an F-1 Visa, you must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Your school must also be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment during their first academic year and can apply for off-campus employment after their first year, provided it is related to their area of study. F-1 Visa holders can stay in the US for up to 60 days after the program end date.

M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)

The M-1 Visa is for international students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. To obtain an M-1 Visa, you must demonstrate proof of financial stability to ensure you can fund all expenses during your stay in the US. M-1 students are subject to more restrictions on employment. They can only engage in practical training after they have completed their studies, and it must be related to their area of study.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The J-1 Visa is for international students participating in cultural exchange programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. This visa is typically for high school students studying in the United States as part of a cultural exchange program. Institutions designated to place participants in J-1 Visa programs must be accredited.

Other Visa Options

In addition to the F-1, M-1, and J-1 Visas, there are other visa options that international students may consider, such as the H-1B Visa program. With the help of sponsoring US employers, international students can transfer their F-1 Visa status to an H-1B status, allowing them to work and live in the US for up to six years. Obtaining a green card is another option for international students seeking permanent residency and employment in the United States, although it is highly competitive and can take several years.

International students must meet certain requirements to obtain a visa

International students must meet several requirements to obtain a visa to study in the United States. The type of visa depends on the student's course of study and the type of school they plan to attend. The two main types of visas for international students are the J-1 exchange visitor visa and the F-1 student visa. The F-1 visa is the most common, allowing international students to enter the US as full-time students at accredited academic institutions. The J-1 visa is for students participating in a cultural exchange program sponsored by the US Department of State.

To obtain an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. Students must also demonstrate English proficiency or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. They must have sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up. Obtaining an F-1 visa also requires a valid passport, a photograph, and payment of the visa processing fee.

For the J-1 exchange visitor visa, students must be participating in a cultural exchange program sponsored by the US Department of State. This visa is typically valid for one year and allows students to attend public or private high schools in the US. To apply for a J-1 visa, students need to obtain Form I-20, the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from their designated school official.

Additionally, international students should be prepared to provide standardized test scores, evidence of sufficient funds, and proof of their intent to depart the US upon completing their studies. A consular officer will interview the student to determine their qualifications for a student visa and may request additional documents. It is important to note that attempting to obtain a visa through willful misrepresentation or fraud may result in permanent visa refusal or denial of entry into the United States.

International students can live in on-campus or off-campus housing

However, off-campus housing might be a better option depending on the college or university. Off-campus housing provides more independence and flexibility, allowing students to choose their roommates or live alone. Common off-campus options include apartments, houses, and room rentals. Apartments may offer more amenities like a full kitchen, living room, private bathroom, and bedroom. Houses usually have several bedrooms, shared living spaces, and one or more kitchens. Room rentals, or "shared housing", can be cost-effective, allowing students to rent a single room in an apartment or house.

When considering off-campus housing, international students should be aware of additional costs for transportation, furnishing, and utilities. They should also research tenant rights, state and federal laws pertaining to housing discrimination, and local customs and practices. On the other hand, on-campus housing may require the purchase of a meal plan and might have less privacy and more rules. It is important for international students to carefully research and weigh the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision that aligns with their personal preferences, financial circumstances, and cultural practices.

To find off-campus housing, international students can use social media and university pages to connect with potential roommates or seek advice from local housing authorities and international student services. When choosing on-campus housing, students may need to reach out to the university to confirm their requirements, as some schools mandate on-campus living for first-year students.

Spouses and children of international students must also obtain visas

International students can live in the US, but they must obtain a student visa. The type of visa depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. The two main types of visas for international students are the J-1 exchange visitor visa and the F-1 student visa.

Visas for Spouses and Children of International Students:

The spouse and dependent children (under 21 years of age) of F-1 or J-1 students are eligible for F-2 or J-2 status, respectively. This status allows them to accompany the F-1 or J-1 student to the US. To qualify as a spouse, the marriage must be legal and evidenced by a marriage certificate, or it can be a common-law marriage with official verification.

F-2 children may study full-time in K-12 schools (elementary, middle/junior high, and high school). They may also engage in part-time study at any level. J-2 dependents are eligible to request work authorization and must file Form I-765 with USCIS to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning employment.

Frequently asked questions